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Harvest Caramel Corn
Alyssa

Harvest Caramel Corn

Enjoy homemade harvest caramel corn—a sweet and crunchy treat perfect for fall snacking or as a festive gift for friends and family.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 10 cups of popped popcorn: This serves as the foundation of the recipe. Use plain unsalted popcorn for best results, making sure to remove any unpopped kernels to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
  • Salt to taste: A sprinkle of salt enhances the overall flavor balancing out the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
  • 1 cup of butter: Real butter adds richness and flavor to the caramel. Try to avoid margarine for the best taste.
  • 1 cup of light brown sugar: This provides the necessary sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that perfectly complements the popcorn.
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adding vanilla improves sweetness and brings depth to the caramel sauce.
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda: This ingredient helps to aerate the caramel making it lighter and easier to coat the popcorn.
  • Mini/Regular Rolos: These chewy chocolate-covered caramels add an extra layer of indulgence to the mix.
  • M&M’s brown, yellow, red, orange: These colorful chocolates add visual appeal and a crunchy texture, perfect for tapping into the seasonal feel.
  • Pretzel M&M’s: Offering a salty contrast these are a wonderful addition to the sweeter elements in the mix.

Method
 

  1. Pop the Popcorn: Start by popping 10 cups of popcorn. You can use an air popper or stovetop method. Once popped, sift through and remove any unpopped kernels. Generously sprinkle salt over the popcorn, to taste.
  2. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, add 1 cup of light brown sugar and stir the mixture until it’s well combined.
  3. Boil the Mixture: Allow the mixture to come to a low boil without stirring. Then, let it boil for 4 minutes. This is crucial for achieving the right caramel consistency.
  4. Add Vanilla: After four minutes, remove the pan from heat. Stir in 2 tsp of vanilla extract, giving it a good mix.
  5. Incorporate Baking Soda: Now it’s time to add in 1/2 tsp of baking soda; be cautious, as the mixture will foam up significantly. Stir until fully mixed.
  6. Combine with Popcorn: Drizzle the caramel sauce over your salted popcorn. Gently fold the popcorn with a spatula or wooden spoon until it is evenly coated with the caramel.
  7. Cool and Add Candy: Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a lined baking sheet. Let it cool for a few minutes until it's set, then sprinkle with your choice of Mini/Regular Rolos and M&M's.